Stamford girl on top 12 list of DPS' new cold-case webpage

The unsolved murder of a 7-year-old Stamford girl is among the cases featured on a new Web page being launched by the Texas Rangers in an attempt to shine new light on cold cases.

The law enforcement agency is seeking the public’s help to resolve the cases, including that of Cortney Clayton, who was abducted in September 1988 while walking from her home to a nearby store to buy a soda, according to Reporter-News archives.

Her body was found in March 1989. Her killer was not.

On Wednesday, the Texas Department of Public Safety released a statement on the unveiling of the new Web page, which will highlight the Texas Rangers’ top 12 cold cases. The statement said the page was launched in an effort to “renew the public’s interest in these cases.”

“Cold cases are typically challenging to solve for a variety of reasons, but we want to send a clear message that we are not giving up on these murder victims,” said DPS Director Steven McCraw. “Our goal for this Web page — and the investigative efforts supporting it — is to shine a new light on these crimes, so they are not forgotten.”

He added, “We are committed to bringing these ruthless criminals to justice and to bringing some amount of closure to the families involved.”

The site lists 68 cases dating to 1978, and those featured in the top 12 will be changed periodically, according to the news statement.

Those with information may submit it through the Web page or call toll-free at 1-800-346-3243. Callers may remain anonymous, and some of the cases have rewards associated with them.